The battle between the two had seemed to be relatively even, but the decision was likely made due to the fact it will save the club more than $900,000 against the salary cap, but more importantly Mesko was scheduled to become a free agent after the season. So the move guarantees the Patriots have a solid performer at a lower cost moving forward instead of risking having to find a replacement after the season as it’s unlikely Allen would have cleared waivers.

It’s disappointing because Mesko was certainly a fan favorite, and this is one of those times where the business side of football clearly factored into the decision.

“First and foremost, I want to thank the New England Patriots for everything they have done for me. I have nothing but love in my heart as I depart this great organization. Mr. Kraft, the coaches, the strength staff, the trainers, the media personnel, the marketing department, the rest of the amazing staff members at Gillette, and especially my teammates…THANK YOU for all that you have given and have done for me. I want to say that I see the silver lining in things now more than ever, and am a true believer that things DO happen for a reason. This goes out to anyone that will ever come across a mere bump in the road; be thankful, be positive, because there’s a deeper purpose of WHY things happen that we may not yet, or may never come to understand. Just believe. I will miss New England, and more than anything, I’ll be missing the smiles on those kids whom I visited and acted like a goofball in front of. It was ALL worth it. God bless.”